Background of the study

Contraception and abortion are critical topics in sexual and reproductive health, particularly among
adolescents. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescents aged 15-19 account for
approximately 11% of all births worldwide, with many of these pregnancies being unintended (WHO,
2020). Access to accurate information and services regarding contraception and abortion is vital in
empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health
(UNFPA, 2020).
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of contraception and abortion among
secondary school students. This has led to a range of studies exploring the prevalence, attitudes, and
experiences of adolescents in relation to these issues. In order to better understand the factors
contributing to the rise in contraception and abortion among secondary school students, it is
important to consider the social, cultural, and economic contexts in which these behaviors occur.

One of the primary factors influencing contraception and abortion among secondary school students
is the lack of comprehensive sexual education in schools.
Indeed, research has shown that providing adolescents with comprehensive sexual education is an
effective way to reduce the incidence of contraception and abortion (Jones & Forrest, 2015; UNFPA,
2020). In many schools, however, sexual education is limited to abstinence-only education or is not
provided at all, leaving adolescents without the information they need to make informed decisions
about their sexual health.

In addition to the lack of comprehensive sexual education, there are a number of social and cultural
factors that contribute to the prevalence of contraception and abortion among secondary school
students
The issue of contraception and abortion among secondary school students has become an
increasingly important topic of discussion and research in recent years. With the growing prevalence
of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, it is critical to understand the factors that
influence adolescents' decisions to use contraception and abortion. The debate surrounding
contraception and abortion is often complex and contentious, with a range of social, cultural, and
religious perspectives influencing the discussion.

In this paper, we will explore the various factors that contribute to the use of contraception and
abortion among secondary school students.
The prevalence of contraception and abortion among secondary school students has been linked to
several factors, including access to sexual health education and resources (Jones & Forrest, 2015;
UNFPA, 2020), peer pressure and social norms (Kirby et al., 2007; Reisen et al., 2009), and poverty
and economic insecurity (World Bank, 2017). Additionally, societal attitudes towards contraception
and abortion can influence adolescents' decisions, with some cultures and religions placing a high
value on abstinence and the importance of virginity (Caldwell et al., 2007; Tawfik et al., 2014).

Statement of the Problem

Despite efforts to promote comprehensive sexual education, there remains a lack of understanding
and misconceptions surrounding contraception and abortion among secondary school students.
Limited knowledge, combined with cultural and social stigmas, may contribute to risky sexual
behaviors and unintended pregnancies among adolescents (Guttmacher Institute, 2019).

Research Objectives
This study aims to:

- Assess the level of knowledge regarding contraception and abortion among urban girls secondary
school Enugu
- Explore the attitudes of urban girls secondary school Enugu towards contraception and abortion.
- Investigate the practices related to contraception and abortion among urban girls secondary school
Enugu
- Identify factors influencing knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding contraception and
abortion among urban girls secondary school Enugu.

Significance of the Study

Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of secondary school students regarding
contraception and abortion is crucial for designing effective interventions and educational programs.
By addressing misconceptions and providing accurate information, policymakers and educators can
promote healthy sexual behaviors and reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancies and unsafe
abortions among adolescents and also to lower maternal ill health and the number of pregnancy-
related deaths.
Scope of the Study

This study will focus on secondary school students in urban girls secondary school Enugu .The
research will assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to contraception and abortion
through surveys and interviews conducted within selected secondary schools.

Operational Definitions of Terms

1. Contraception Knowledge: For the purpose of this study, contraception knowledge refers to the
understanding and awareness among secondary school students regarding various methods of birth
control, including but not limited to condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and
emergency contraception. It encompasses knowledge of effectiveness, usage instructions, potential
side effects, and availability of contraceptive methods.

2. Contraception Attitudes:Contraception attitudes pertain to the beliefs, opinions, and perceptions

secondary school students hold regarding contraception. This includes attitudes towards the use of
contraception, perceived benefits and drawbacks, cultural or religious influences, and comfort levels
discussing contraception with peers, family, or healthcare providers.

3. Contraception Practices: Contraception practices refer to the behaviors and actions secondary
school students engage in regarding the use of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies.
This encompasses actual use or non-use of contraception, consistency and correctness of use,
adherence to contraceptive methods, as well as reasons for choosing specific contraceptive methods
or forgoing their use.

4.Abortion Knowledge: Abortion knowledge in the context of this study refers to the understanding
and awareness among secondary school students regarding the medical procedures, legality, and
consequences of abortion. It includes knowledge of abortion methods, risks associated with unsafe
abortions, laws governing abortion in their respective regions, and available resources for accessing
safe abortion services.
5. Abortion Attitudes: Abortion attitudes encompass the beliefs, opinions, and perceptions secondary
school students hold regarding abortion as a reproductive choice and healthcare option. This
includes attitudes towards the morality, legality, and acceptability of abortion, as well as personal
values, cultural or religious influences, and empathy towards individuals seeking abortion services.

6. Abortion Practices:Abortion practices involve the behaviors and actions secondary school students
engage in related to abortion, including direct involvement in obtaining abortions, seeking
information or support regarding abortion services, or influencing others' decisions regarding
abortion. This also encompasses attitudes and behaviors towards unintended pregnancies and
decision-making processes regarding pregnancy outcomes.